Abstract:
A single blind randomised clinical trial carried out at the University Obstetrics Unit, North
Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama from 4th of July 2005 to 25th of April 2006.
Consecutive primigravid women who were admitted for induction of labour. Patients were
randomly divided into two groups. In group one, infusion of oxytocin was administered
throughout labour at a rate sufficient to maintain adequate uterine contractions. In group
two, infusion of oxytocin was incremental but was discontinued when cervical dilatation
reached five centimeters. Comparison between the two groups was made. Outcome
variables included duration of labour, abnormalities in fetal heart rate, episodes of uterine
hyper stimulation, mode of delivery and adverse maternal and neonatal outcome. A total of
93 patients participated innthis study. The duration of labour was not found to be
signinficantly different in the two groups. No siginificant differences were found when other
outcome parameters were compared. As there was no satistically significant difference
observed between the two groups with regard to duration of labour and other maternal, fetal
and neonatal outcomes, Thus, we concluded that there is no added advantage in continuint
oxytocin infusion after the onset of active labour
